This piece provides a detailed comparison between living in Austin, Texas, and Northwest Clackamas, Oregon. We will delve into several criteria, including safety, climate, cost of living, education, employment opportunities, infrastructure, prominent industries, major employers, real estate, neighborhoods, transportation, tax implications, culture and gastronomy, sports teams, geography, and health care.
Austin’s crime rates are higher than the national average, particularly in property crime. However, safety can vary greatly by neighborhood. On the other hand, Northwest Clackamas is relatively safe with crime rates lower than both the national and Oregon state averages. Residents and tourists may feel safer walking around in Northwest Clackamas compared to certain areas in Austin.
Cost of Living
In comparison to Austin, Northwest Clackamas has a higher cost of living. Housing is the biggest factor driving this difference, with real estate priced much higher in Northwest Clackamas. Food, healthcare, and utilities are also slightly more expensive in Northwest Clackamas than in Austin. Nevertheless, Austin offers a more economical lifestyle particularly for families or individuals on a budget.
Income Tax
Texas does not impose a state income tax which is beneficial for residents' overall income. Oregon, however, does have a state income tax, which means your earnings will be taxed at the state level if you move to Northwest Clackamas.
Property Tax
Both cities have property taxes, but these vary significantly. Texas has high property taxes, whereas Oregon's are lower. Homeowners in Austin can expect to pay more in property taxes compared to Northwest Clackamas.
Sales Tax
Texas, and by extension Austin, has no state income tax but does have a sales tax. Oregon, on the other hand, has no sales tax. This makes everyday purchases cheaper in Northwest Clackamas, but income tax may be higher.
Income
Type
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Estimated median household income
$79,542
$92,346
Estimated per capita income
$53,937
$47,763
Cost of living index (U.S. average is 100)
96.4
114
If you make $50,000 in Austin, you will have to make $59,129 in Northwest Clackamas to maintain the same standard of living.
Geographical Conditions
Austin is located in Central Texas and is filled with rolling hills, lakes, and limestone formations, while Northwest Clackamas nestled in the lush green landscapes of the Pacific Northwest, offers picturesque views of Mount Hood and proximity to the Clackamas river.
Geographical information
Type
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Land area
251.5 sq. miles
129.1 sq. miles
Population density
3,833.4 people per sq. mile
1,921.4 people per sq. mile
Relative area comparison
Austin, TX Northwest Clackamas, OR
Education
Both cities boast high-quality education systems. Austin is home to the prestigious University of Texas, providing exceptional higher education options, whereas Northwest Clackamas is serviced by the high-ranking North Clackamas School District and is closer to Portland for other notable institutions like Portland State University. For families focusing on good educational opportunities, both cities present great options.
Austin, with its thriving economy, offers plentiful job opportunities in diverse industries such as tech, music, film, and food. Northwest Clackamas has a strong economy too, yet more focused on healthcare, manufacturing, and retail. It's vital to consider personal career growth and industry options when comparing employment in these cities.
Biggest Employers
In Austin, some of the biggest employers include Dell, the University of Texas, and the state government. In contrast, the largest employers in Northwest Clackamas are healthcare providers like Kaiser Permanente and manufacturing companies like Precision Castparts Corp.
In Austin (Travis County), 60.2% voted for Democrats and 36.2% for Republicans in 2012 Presidential Election. In Northwest Clackamas (Clackamas County), 50.6% voted for Democrats and 46.9% for Republicans.
Elections
Type
Democrats
Republicans
Other
Year
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
2020
71.7%
54.0%
26.5%
42.9%
1.8%
3.2%
2016
65.8%
47.7%
27.2%
41.3%
7.0%
11.0%
2012
60.2%
50.6%
36.2%
46.9%
3.6%
2.5%
2008
63.8%
53.9%
34.4%
43.6%
1.8%
2.5%
2004
56.1%
49.0%
42.1%
50.3%
1.8%
0.7%
2000
41.7%
47.3%
47.0%
48.0%
11.3%
4.7%
1996
52.4%
46.6%
40.0%
41.0%
7.7%
12.4%
Breakdown of population affiliated with a religious congregation
Type
Adherents
Congregations
Religion
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
CATHOLIC CHURCH
17.3%
7.2%
4.5%
4.2%
SOUTHERN BAPTIST CONVENTION
8.0%
0.5%
22.8%
2.6%
EPISCOPAL CHURCH
1.4%
0.7%
2.8%
1.6%
MUSLIM ESTIMATE
1.2%
0.0%
0.7%
0.0%
EVANGELICAL LUTHERAN CHURCH IN AMERICA
1.0%
1.4%
2.5%
4.5%
LUTHERAN CHURCH
0.9%
0.6%
2.1%
2.2%
SEVENTH DAY ADVENTIST CHURCH
0.2%
1.2%
1.0%
3.8%
Weather
Austin enjoys warm, long summers and mild winters, which may be attractive for those who prefer a hot climate. Northwest Clackamas, on the other hand, experiences cooler summers and relatively colder, wet winters with a fair amount of rain. The cooler, wetter climate of Northwest Clackamas may be more comforting to those who enjoy changing seasons.
Weather and climate
Type
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Temperature - Average
68.5°F
54.7°F
Humidity - Average morning or afternoon humidity
75.2%
76.6%
Humidity - Differences between morning and afternoon humidity
40%
42.1%
Humidity - Maximum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
89%
86%
Humidity - Minimum monthly morning or afternoon humidity
49%
43.9%
Precipitation - Yearly average
33.7 in
45.5 in
Snowfall - Yearly average
1.4 in
12.8 in
Clouds - Number of days clear of clouds
19.3%
11.3%
Sunshine amount - Average
63.3%
54.7%
Sunshine amount - Differences during a year
22%
52%
Sunshine amount - Maximum monthly
72%
72%
Sunshine amount - Minimum monthly
50%
20%
Wind speed - Average
7.2 mph
8.1 mph
Average climate in Austin, Texas
Average climate in Northwest Clackamas, Oregon
Air pollution
Type
AQI
CO
NO2
OZONE
PB
PM25
SO2
Year
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Northwest Clackamas
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
2018
76
79
N/A
0.26
4.9
8.8
26.7
22.3
N/A
N/A
8.7
7.1
0.2
0.4
2017
76
93
N/A
0.26
4.6
8.7
29.7
23.4
N/A
N/A
8.3
7.1
0.3
0.4
2016
71
72
N/A
0.25
4.2
8.7
29.5
21.5
N/A
N/A
8.2
5.1
0.2
0.2
2015
78
91
N/A
0.28
4.4
9.2
28.9
21.0
N/A
N/A
8.6
7.1
0.3
0.5
2014
74
90
N/A
0.24
5.2
8.5
28.3
21.6
N/A
N/A
8.7
6.2
0.5
0.8
2013
78
85
0.09
0.29
5.5
9.6
29.5
18.6
N/A
N/A
8.6
8.3
0.5
1.1
2012
86
78
0.13
0.30
5.5
9.1
30.1
21.6
N/A
N/A
8.6
6.9
N/A
0.6
2011
83
89
0.11
0.34
2.6
9.4
33.0
19.2
N/A
N/A
9.1
7.9
N/A
0.8
2010
77
80
0.05
0.33
3.2
9.1
29.4
19.9
N/A
N/A
8.8
6.0
N/A
1.4
2009
76
95
0.05
0.32
2.6
10.2
29.7
20.8
N/A
N/A
9.0
8.2
N/A
1.6
2008
81
101
0.12
0.34
3.2
10.9
30.7
20.1
N/A
N/A
9.7
8.5
N/A
1.0
2007
82
101
0.12
0.35
3.1
11.4
27.1
17.7
N/A
N/A
9.8
8.4
N/A
1.3
2006
89
106
0.14
N/A
3.8
N/A
31.3
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.0
7.5
0.2
1.5
2005
92
96
0.15
N/A
4.4
N/A
29.0
N/A
N/A
N/A
10.7
8.1
0.2
1.7
2004
74
92
0.16
N/A
3.3
N/A
26.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
9.4
N/A
N/A
2003
85
77
0.26
N/A
4.2
N/A
28.9
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
8.6
0.1
N/A
2002
83
67
0.33
N/A
3.9
N/A
27.2
N/A
0.010
N/A
N/A
8.4
N/A
N/A
2001
83
73
0.31
N/A
4.2
N/A
25.5
N/A
0.008
N/A
N/A
8.9
N/A
N/A
2000
86
52
0.28
N/A
4.7
N/A
27.8
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
N/A
Natural disasters
Type
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Tornado activity compared to U.S. average
137.9%
8.1%
Earthquake activity compared to U.S. average
80.4%
1,566.4%
Natural disasters compared to U.S. average
29%
13%
Transportation
Both cities have public transportation, but Austin's is larger, with an extensive bus system and light rail. Northwest Clackamas, while smaller, offers reliable connections through TriMet bus service and the Max Light Rail. Traffic congestion can be an issue in both cities, particularly in Austin.
Transport
Type
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Amtrak stations
1
0
Amtrak stations nearby
1
3
FAA registered aircraft
911
0
FAA registered aircraft manufacturers and dealers
21
0
Means of transportation to work
Type
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Bicycle
0.8%
0.3%
Bus
1.5%
3.7%
Carpooled
7.9%
9.9%
Car alone
85.9%
78.2%
Motorcycle
0.3%
0.1%
Taxicab
0.1%
0%
Walked
2%
1.9%
Average travel time to work
Type
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Average
29.9 min
24.1 min
Real Estate
Real estate in Austin tends to be more affordable than in Northwest Clackamas, with a variety of options from downtown condos to suburban homes. Northwest Clackamas, while more expensive, offers picturesque landscapes with beautiful houses that are well-integrated into the environment.
Neighborhoods
Austin neighborhoods are diverse, ranging from lively and hip areas like South Congress and East Austin to family-friendly suburbs. In Northwest Clackamas, neighborhoods like Jennings Lodge and Oak Grove are popular for their suburban feel and wealth of outdoor activities.
Houses and residents
Type
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
Houses
469,156
91,607
Average household size (people)
2.4
2.5
Houses occupied
449,399 (95.8%)
86,783 (94.7%)
Houses occupied by owners
196,458 (43.7%)
59,419 (68.5%)
Houses occupied by renters
252,941 (56.3%)
27,364 (31.5%)
Median rent asked for vacant for-rent units
$1,286
$1,435
Median price asked for vacant for-sale houses and condos
$549,769
$610,128
Estimated median house or condo value
$482,900
$529,522
Median number of rooms in apartments
3.4
4.2
Median number of rooms in houses and condos
6
6.9
Renting percentage
54.9%
32.6%
Housing density (houses/condos per square mile)
1,865.3
709.6
Household income disparities
44.8%
40.9%
Housing units without a mortgage
1,799 (1.3%)
10,555 (20.5%)
Housing units with both a second mortgage and home equity loan
6,421 (4.8%)
244 (0.5%)
Housing units with a mortgage
132,628 (98.7%)
41,052 (79.5%)
Housing units with a home equity loan
206 (0.2%)
6,561 (12.7%)
Housing units with a second mortgage
8,515 (6.3%)
6,242 (12.1%)
Housing units lacking complete kitchen facilities
0.9%
1%
Housing units lacking complete plumbing facilities
Self-employed workers in own not incorporated business
38,777
9,464
State government workers
46,229
3,645
Unpaid family workers
102
441
Industries and Occupations
Austin prides itself on its significant tech scene, with numerous tech companies having headquarters or regional offices there. Meanwhile, Northwest Clackamas has a more diverse economy with major industries being healthcare, manufacturing, and retail.
Both cities boast high-quality healthcare facilities. Austin is home to several notable hospitals and clinics, while Northwest Clackamas is closely located to many excellent health care providers in the nearby Portland area.
Health (county statistics)
Type
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
General health status score of residents in this county from 1 (poor) to 5 (excellent)
Austin is rapidly growing, resulting in solid but strained infrastructure due to increased traffic and rapid urban expansion. Northwest Clackamas maintains abundant green spaces and access to outdoor activities offering an excellent quality of life, although it may lack the scale of urban infrastructure found in Austin.
Infrastructure
Type
Austin
Northwest Clackamas
TV stations
20
18
Culture and Food
Austin's rich culture shines bright with lively music scenes, numerous food trucks, and popular events like Austin City Limits and SXSW. In contrast, Northwest Clackamas offers a quieter culture reflective of its Pacific Northwest roots with farmer’s markets, vineyards, and robust coffee culture.
Sports Teams
Austin is known for its college football culture with the beloved Texas Longhorns. The newly established Austin FC represents the city in Major League Soccer. Northwest Clackamas, while not having professional sports teams, is close to Portland, where teams like the Trail Blazers (NBA) and Timbers (MLS) play.
Austin, TX
Northwest Clackamas, OR
Austin, TX and 
Northwest Clackamas, OR : 1,699.4 miles
